How do you handle this from a player point of view?
I have just been discussing something along these lines. One solution would be to play two characters
If its a critical player that is missing (usually the healer of the group or the defender) then one of the other players picks up the character for that session. (Works for our group, might not work for most)
If its not a critical player then the DM pretty much roleplays out how he wanders off for that session or something.
From a player point of view I usually yell something like "THE HEALER IS NOT HERE! WERE ALL GONNA DIEEE!!"
If its a critical player that is missing (usually the healer of the group or the defender) then one of the other players picks up the character for that session. (Works for our group, might not work for most)
If its not a critical player then the DM pretty much roleplays out how he wanders off for that session or something.
What is all the players are there, but your group is still missing something?
So your group is all together and you are ready to play, but you are a player short. Either you don't have another player, or you are just missing something for the party and need another character in the group.
How do you handle this from a player point of view?
I ask if I can play a second character.
Or the Dm makes an npc.
Of course, since most of them apparently don't like Wizards, I'm in two groups.
*In addition to having three couples, two of the players are sisters so if there is something going on that calls THAT family away for the weekend, it usually involves both couples.
We've never ascribed to the belief that you must have 4, 5, or however many characters the designers reccomend.
The 3 player min. is just our preffered #.
If one of the players can't make it for some reason then we decide wether to play D&D or something else. Generally this decision is made based upon the flow of the story. If the missing players directly important to the expected action, or would dearly like to be present, then we play something else that evening.
If play can reasonably comence without them, then we do D&D.
From an in-character PoV, if we determine that we need something extra, then we just set about hiring an NPC specialist for the job.
What we don't do:
1) Run someones character (unless they expressly tell us to do so) when they're absent. In the rare instances where this does happen the character is run as an NPC by the DM.
2) Expect the DM to automaticly provide NPCs to flush out the ranks.
Like I said, if we players determine that we need NPC help, then we'll innitiate getting it. NPCs that are forced upon us (by DMs new to the group) don't elicit a positive player response.
3) Run multiple characters.
That said, our group consists of a Ranger with the thievery skill, a Dragonborn Warlord, and my Eladrin Fighter/Wizard (thanks to this board for helping me build him BTW!) so there really isn't anything our small group can't do to some degree or another (crowd control, skills, etc.).
The single guy NEVER misses a game
UPPERCUT!
The only thing I've seen, is if no members of a given role/power source are present, the DM may DMPC that character to keep the group from utterly failing a skill roll (like perception without a Ranger or Rogue, or Arcana without an Arcane character), that they wouldn't have failed with that character there. Even this, though, is only done when the PCs really need to succeed, and the skill roll was really cursory, and the DM had no intention of the party utterly botching it. As in, "you're going to get some information, in order to advance the plot, but how well you roll determines how many clues you get..."
Tread lightly I guess.
I know for our next session one of the players isn't going to be there and he's the cleric. So I think the group is going to have to be aware of this fact and play things a little more conservatively.If it's unexpected it's not all that easy to call someone else up to fill the missing role is it?
What I've seen thrown around the boards is:
1) Someone runs a second character
2) DM brings in an NPC
3) DM drops the difficulty by removing creatures
4) You go it one player short and get that extra XP (you'll have earned it!)
5) If you and the group are familiar with the missing player's style run him as a group. Can be bad if he dies but in that case the player should have shown up. :P
6) Do something else (not my favourite choice especially if the schmuck didn't let you know in advance he wasn't showing up)
Stephen from WotC has a few words for you.
Then tell him to come to this thread and post them.
For those still misunderstanding, I will try a 3rd time.
Don't consider that the DM is making things too hard, don't consider their is an absent player.
The group just for some reason needs/wants another character to fill some position in the party.
There is NO other living person that made the character, or can make one.
Then tell him to come to this thread and post them.
For those still misunderstanding, I will try a 3rd time.
Don't consider that the DM is making things too hard, don't consider their is an absent player.
The group just for some reason needs/wants another character to fill some position in the party.
There is NO other living person that made the character, or can make one.
Sorry, I did misread your point. I just thought it was a happy coincidence.
If the players feel they need/want another character to fill a role, ask them why. Sometimes the gap can be filled through MC, sometimes their points will be legitimate enough to warrant an NPC. It really depends on what that "some reason" is.
Sorry, I did misread your point. I just thought it was a happy coincidence. No sweat...too cold here to do so.
If the players feel they need/want another character to fill a role, ask them why. Sometimes the gap can be filled through MC, sometimes their points will be legitimate enough to warrant an NPC. It really depends on what that "some reason" is.
They like combats as intended, but don't like min-maxing.
They are wanting not wanting the game to be altered and want all the monsters in the encounter from an adventure, but don't have enough players.
There are numerous possibilities that could make the need for another character.
What does a player or gorup of players do when they find they are a character short and need another character?
What does a player or gorup of players do when they find they are a character short and need another character?
It depends on why they feel that way. It depends on what, specifically, is causing the need to arise. It may be a need that's only perceived, or it may be something that the players need to solve with their characters.
Then tell him to come to this thread and post them.
For those still misunderstanding, I will try a 3rd time.
Don't consider that the DM is making things too hard, don't consider their is an absent player.
The group just for some reason needs/wants another character to fill some position in the party.
There is NO other living person that made the character, or can make one.
Under those conditions there is really only a handful of things they CAN do.
1) Someone multi-classes their existing character to be able to fill that position at least minimally.
2) They hire a henchman/follower/whatever to fill the role. THe DM wil still have to make the character, but in a sense, this is just another NPC and thus part of his regualr DMing duties
3) If it is a mechanical need/want, i.e. no healer of any sort, depending on the circumstance they may be able to get a magic item to do it (Which depending on the circumstance may require some changes to the existing characters as well, i.e. taking levels in Use Magic Device in 3.0/3.5)
4) Do without.
)In the current game I'm in with another group, we have an NPC kobald LE rogue named Stabby that the party sometimes hires to help in missions. He's either played by another PC if we feel we need the extra help, or he's played by a new PC if they're curious and are thinking of joining us.
Usually if you're short one PC, hire an NPC, and have it controlled by either another player or by yourself (the DM). If you're short a character, but not a player, have them play an NPC that might eventually become a PC.
So your group is all together and you are ready to play, but you are a player short. Either you don't have another player, or you are just missing something for the party and need another character in the group.
How do you handle this from a player point of view?
I assume you are at the point where the DM is not going to downsize encounters any further to accomodate party size/abilities.
In character, I ask around to find out if someone with the skill I am looking for is in the area and available. We then role play the negotiations and, if acceptable, the NPC joins our group. (BTW this can be an encounter or several itself--and a lot of fun.) If you think you need it, ask the DM. Most I have talked to that have a solid, professional attitude will give you the opportunity to meet an NPC or hire an NPC to join the group. You may even decide to have them join permanently. Permanent NPCs in the group can give your DM a conduit into your group to inject story elements to the party.
You can also ask if there is an item that will fill the shortfall you have. If you are worried about healing, as an example, you can look for either potions or items that promote healing.